The arrest of Bryant on Wednesday afternoon came after a two-week probe by the sheriff’s internal criminal investigators. Whitmore declined to say what stoked suspicions into Bryant, saying the investigation is ongoing.

“This department is bringing people that break the law, that are supposed to represent the law, to justice," he said.

Authorities do not believe Bryant, who was in charge of an investigative team, was working with any other deputies or outside groups, Whitmore said.

The sergeant had been assigned to the narcotics division, one of the most sensitive within the department, for the last six years. Bryant is currently relieved of duty with pay, pending criminal charges.